Craie Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Henri Giraud *Gift Box*
Champagne, France
Pale gold with a fine, dancing mousse, Craie is Champagne at its most precise and poetic. Aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and fresh brioche mingle with notes of crushed chalk, almond and spring blossom. The palate is vibrant and sculpted with layers of lemon curd, pear and mineral tension unfolding over a creamy, lees-driven texture. Focused, elegant and saline, it finishes long, pure and effortlessly refined.
For when: you want quiet luxury in your glass.
Pairs with: oysters, tempura prawns, or creamy risotto with lemon and herbs.
If this wine were a material, it’d be marble, smooth, luminous, and full of character beneath the polish.
Craie Blanc de Blancs is Henri Giraud’s tribute to the pure chalk soils of Aÿ and the Montagne de Reims, from which this luminous Chardonnay draws its name and spirit. Fermented and aged exclusively in Argonne oak barrels, crafted under the house’s exacting sustainability standards, it marries the finesse of Chardonnay with the subtle influence of the forest. No stainless steel, no shortcuts - only natural yeasts, lees ageing, and patient craftsmanship. The result is a Blanc de Blancs that hums with mineral tension, depth and precision, a Champagne of chalk, light, and quiet power.
Whats in the bottle
100% Chardonnay
Notable Awards
94/100, James Suckling
92/100, Wine Spectator
Complete the look:
- Producer Information
- Tech Stuff
Champagne Henri Giraud is a distinguished, family-owned Champagne house located in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, with roots tracing back to 1625. The Hémart family, contemporaries of Henri IV, established their presence in Aÿ in the early 17th century. In the early 20th century, Léon Giraud married into the Hémart family and revitalised the vineyard after it was devastated by phylloxera. Today, the house is led by Emmanuelle Giraud, the 13th generation of the Giraud-Hémart lineage, continuing a legacy of excellence in Champagne production.
Henri Giraud is renowned for its commitment to terroir expression and innovative winemaking techniques. The house exclusively uses oak barrels sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest, a practice reintroduced by Claude Giraud in 1990. These barrels are crafted from carefully selected trees, with specific terroirs within the forest imparting distinct characteristics to the wines. This meticulous approach enhances the depth and complexity of their Champagnes.
Under the guidance of cellar master Sébastien Le Golvet, Henri Giraud employs a philosophy that balances tradition with innovation. The winemaking process emphasises minimal intervention, utilising natural materials and fermentation vessels such as terracotta and stoneware, alongside the signature Argonne oak barrels. This approach allows the wines to authentically reflect the unique minerality and character of the Aÿ terroir.
Country
France
Producer
Champagne Henri Giraud
Region
Champagne
Sub-Region
Ay
Grape
Chardonnay
Types
Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Size
750ml
Vintage
MV
Craie Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Henri Giraud *Gift Box*
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- France